Originally founded as Maui Finance & Mortgage Co., Ltd. in 1937 and subsequently changed to Maui Realty & Finance Co., Ltd., the Company provided many services to its community. These included all lines of insurance, small loans, land development, real estate sales, property management, appraisals and even a travel agency.
As an affiliate of American Factors (AMFAC), Maui Realty conducted the sales of Pioneer Mill Company, Ltd. homes in Lahaina and Kaanapali. Being based in Wailuku, Maui Realty also conducted studies and sales for Wailuku Sugar Co. in Wailuku and Waihee. Soon after World War II the Hale Koa Subdivision in Wailuku was developed by Maui Realty primarily for returning veterans.
In 1959, Donald Tokunaga, Douglas Sodetani, Kazuo Sugiki, Stella Kuwae and Tin Fook Tom purchased the real estate and insurance divisions of the company to form Maui Realty Co., Inc. The other entities were acquired by individuals or absorbed by nationally recognized firms.
Being a partner of Pukalani Landco, developer of Pukalani Terrace and Country Club Estates, Pau Hana Estates, Pukalani Terrace Shopping Center and Pukalani Country Club, Maui Realty Co., Inc. conducted the marketing of more than 1000 house lots, approximately 100 agricultural Lots, over 100 homes and other larger parcels over a twenty-year period.
With its main office in Wailuku and branches in Pukalani and Lahaina, Maui Realty Co., Inc. has always been a leading force in many condominium projects and subdivisions were spearheaded by Maui Realty Co., Inc. as the lead broker in Wailuku, Maalaea, Kihei, Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Honokowai.
Major developments which the Company has marketed under the leadership of Lloyd Sodetani include Kula Manu Estates Subdivision, Kua Aina Ridge Subdivision, Kaanapali Alii lease-to-fee conversion, Maui Realty Suites (a mixed use condominium) and Waiehu Terrace (an affordable housing project developed by Housing Finance & Development Corporation, a State agency).
The founders of the new Maui Realty Co., Inc. were very active in community services.
Among many other positions, Douglas Sodetani served as the County’s first Planning Commission Chairman, County Charter Commission Chairman, State Civil Service Commission, Chairman of the State Real Estate Commission, (two terms), National Director and Chairman of Real Estate Political Action Committee of the National Association of Realtors. He also served as the President of the Hawaii Association of Realtors, President of Maui Board of Realtors, and was selected for two consecutive years as its Realtor of the Year.
The tradition of service to the community continues with the current Officers, and staff at Maui Realty Co., Inc. The Maui Realty family strives to live by its motto, “Your satisfaction is our success.”